Our War

With so many of our synagogue's sons and daughters in the thick of the fight, this war is our war.

Directly in front of my seat in our neighborhood synagogue is a plaque commemorating two local boys who fell in the Yom Kippur War of 1973. When we read Psalms and other prayers for the soldiers now fighting on the Lebanese front lines, one can't help but stare at it and think of the sacrifice that all Israelis make in every generation; our price for freedom.

Yet because I never served in the IDF (I got here already too old), I have been susceptible to the feeling that somehow I was less connected to this primal, most basic Israeli experience of shared combat. I was always envious of my immigrant friends who did manage to get real army experience -- they had somehow entered a state of "Israeliness" that would forever elude me.

This feeling began to change for me during Israel's War Against Terror (Intifada) between 2000-2004 when the frontlines were suddenly on the streets of Jerusalem, and we lost too many friends in the terror that struck too close to home, way too close. Israel's civilians played an unfortunately major role in that conflict granting real combatant status on everyone who sent their kids to school on a bus or had coffee at Caffit or Cafe Hillel.

All it takes is a quick glance around our neighborhood shul to know that yes, our families are fighting for their very lives.

And now with Israel's second Lebanese War entering its fourth week, whatever remained of my new immigrant feelings has gone completely. We are literally again fighting for our homes, with over 5000 Israeli homes damaged by missiles and hundreds of civilian casualties taken while sitting at home.

While it may seem strange to feel at war while living in the eerily peaceful atmosphere of Jerusalem, seemingly far removed from the daily barrage of murderous missiles raining down on Israel's north not more than a 90 minute drive from here, all it takes is a quick glance around our neighborhood shul to know that yes, our families are fighting for their very lives. With so many of our shul's sons and daughters in the thick of the fight, this war is our war.

In front of me, Bob's two boys are missing from their regular shul seats and are sitting instead inside their tanks. Steve's son is a commando, Asher's son is in Field Intelligence, David's daughter is training soldiers, Yaron's boy is in the Air Force, Meir's just started basic training and Howie's son Eli has emerged as one of this War's first heroes. Eli, a lieutenant in the Paratroopers, managed to pick up a hand grenade that was thrown at him and a wounded comrade, and then throw it back at two Hizbollah terrorists killing them both.

Maybe I am more affected by all of this because I am the father of three teenaged boys (and a daughter) with my oldest son Momo due to be inducted into the IDF in a matter of weeks. He and all of his friends (Aaron, Zacki, Chanan, and dozens more) will soon be giving precious years for the defense of this country. My second son Yossi just got his first call up notice, and my third son Itamar will not be far behind. I am filled with love for all of these soldiers and potential soldiers. They are all our children.

We will no longer sit idly by while our enemies openly call for our destruction and amass the means to carry out their threats.

And herein lies a great secret of why we fight, why we have gone to war after the kidnappings of Gilad Shalit in Gaza , and Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev on the Lebanese border. Why the Israeli public completely backs this war with approval ratings of over 90%. Because our army is our kids, and Jewish kids will not be kidnapped and slaughtered ever again without having hell to pay. Because we will no longer sit idly by while our enemies openly call for our destruction and amass the means to carry out their threats. Because we refuse to accept as normal, a life where we must be afraid of a missile landing on our porch while we drink our morning coffee.

Everyday's paper brings new pictures of fallen soldiers -- their smiles, their backgrounds, their unbelievable stories. Major Benji Hillman, 27, an English immigrant, who died leading his troops into Ras A Maroun, only three weeks after his wedding. Major Roi Klein, 31, died by jumping on a hand grenade, thereby shielding his soldiers from certain death -- he leaves a wife and two young sons. Sergeant Michael Levine, 22, a new immigrant from Pennsylvania, rushed back to his unit after visiting his family in the states, to fall while fighting Hizbollah in Ayta A-Shab. These heroes will not be forgotten nor will their deaths be turned into mere casualty statistics of a war viewed by cynics as "disproportionate".

Last week we read the Book of Lamentations on the ninth of Av as we mourned the destruction of our Temples and other calamities that have befallen the Jewish people on that day. Sitting in the moonlight on a hill across from the Temple Mount, hundreds of our neighbors and friends read together the scary verses about the tragedy that has followed our people for generations. Yet there was a quiet determination which was palpable among the mourners -- a feeling that this war, our war, will ultimately be won, that redemption is finally on the way, and that our families will prevail.

Visitor Comments: 17

I am a Jewish American university student and to think that my peers are fighting, rather than studying in university or doing a number of other important things, is extremely moving.

Defending the Jewish people, especially through serving in the IDF, is the greatest mitzvah a person can do.

Thank G-d for blessing us with the lives of the young men and women in the IDF.

Please G-d keep them safe so that soon they can join me in university and be succesful in whatever path in life that they choose.

(16)
Hanna,
August 13, 2006 12:00 AM

re: we're with you

This is for all of you - our braveest, strongest, courageous soldiers , who are out there , putting their own precious lives and sacrificing it for the sake of all Jewish people in Israel and all over the world to protect, defend and shield us from this monster enemy , who calls himself ,Hizboullah, and you will defeat it, with Hash-m's help...... amen/......You have to know that we,-- Jews in America, are fighting this war with you, no matter where we are, you are always in our PRAYERS, OUR THOUGHTS, AND OUR HEARTS AND WE'LLALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU!!!!TOGETHER WE WILL WIN THIS WAR!!!!MAY HASH-M HELP US ALL!!!

(15)
Barb,
August 12, 2006 12:00 AM

Thank you for your patriotism and faithfulness to the land. My prayers are with you and your sons.

(14)
Beverly Kurtin, Ph.D.,
August 12, 2006 12:00 AM

Fighting with words

Although I live in Texas, I can fight alongside our men and women at the front. How? By writing letters to the editors of our local newspapers, forwarding the wonderful information from Aish, speaking out in public when I hear lies being spread about us. In short, I defend Israel by telling the truth of the matter. Each of us can do the same, canâ€™t we?

(13)
Keith Briggs - UK,
August 12, 2006 12:00 AM

UK Support

I can only mavel at the spirit of the Israeli nation at standing up to the UN and the world's media and continuing to fight for survival.Terrorism now threatens many nations and the bleeding heart liberals everywhere should take note of Jon Medved's article as a tribute to what decent humans CHOOSE to sacrifice in the name of a greater good.Having spent three long summers on Kibbutzim in the late 80's I witnessed boys and girls leaving as kids and maturing into adults and soldiers. Their shared commitment to defent their homes and communities made all us western non-jewish feel very humbled.I hope the Israeli sacrifices made are minimal and the Hizbollah threat is removed forever.

(12)
thomas foley,
August 12, 2006 12:00 AM

I fully support Israel's actions, from an American

I have nothing but admiration and full support for the actions of Israel to defeat Hezbollah and all other hate mongers. You have no choice, and I can tell you any American with his brain in gear knows you are the frontline against our enemies, as well. We must support you to the end.

(11)
Levoid Davis,
August 12, 2006 12:00 AM

love for Israel

As a veteran of 3 wars, the first at age 16 in WW2, I have much respect for the Israel nation and the fight you all are putting up against Islam Fascism You deserve a nation and most of all PEACE

(10)
Howard,
August 11, 2006 12:00 AM

My prayers are with you and all of isreal.

(9)
Elly Shapiro,
August 11, 2006 12:00 AM

media tell a different story

The radio and television media would have the US Jews believe that the people of Israel no longer back this war and feel that Ohmert should step down. What is the real story?

(8)
RoSarah Peres Espaillat,
August 9, 2006 12:00 AM

II cried after reading both of your stories.

Thank you for sharing such touching tales of courage and heart breaking sadness. We must pray, pray and pray for Israel, for our people, our soldiers our heroes. We the ones that live in America could never know what you are experiencing in Israel. Tell us what we can do to help? Do we need to go to Israel and help you? Please tell us what to do? G-D help you, your family, the soldiers, and all of Israel.My prayers are with you,

(7)
Dave Headrick,
August 9, 2006 12:00 AM

Thank you.

Thank you, dear friend, for standing up for freedom and for your collective willingness to fight for your survival.You are an inspiration to all freedom loving people. The lesson is, "Freedom is not Free!"Shalom! and may God Bless you all and keep you in His care.

(6)
STEVEN,
August 8, 2006 12:00 AM

WAR COVERAGE

YOU HAVE MY SUPPORT AND I KNOW MILLIONS OF OTHER AMERICANS. I OFTEN QUESTION WHAT MY GOVERNMENT DOES AND IT IS VERY SLOW AT TIMES TO REACH A MANDATE BUT MANY TIMES WE FIND THE BEST SOLUTION. I WILL NOT STAND IDLE AND WATCH OUR ENEMIES GO NUCLEAR. I WONDER IF NORTH KOREA, IRAN AND SYRIA REALIZE THAT WE WILL END THEM IF THEY CONTINUE THEIR THREATS AND POSTURING. A FALLEN AWAY CATHOLIC AND I PICK ISREAL.

(5)
TSgt Mike Ekshtut,
August 7, 2006 12:00 AM

Thank You

Jonathan,May you and your family, and all Israeli's continue to have the strength, will and determination, to fight this war and do what really needs to be done to have a real and sustained peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Your friend,Mike Ekshtut, Seattle WA

(4)
KHOLOD,
August 6, 2006 12:00 AM

Go ahead in our movments in Lebanon

As a girl from the north I want to send my admirarion to our soldiers in the borders, and want to thanks our citizens for their supporting .we are waiting here in tolerance to our victory in this war,it's not care for us how much time this war will be continue, the most important thing is to defeat the Hezbala organzination and to make our area safer.But I amn't deny that I amn't worry,two of my brothers are fighting with the IDF, the bombs of the Katiusha rockets don't stop, but we won't surrener at all, we trust our army and hope them good luck.

(3)
Me,
August 6, 2006 12:00 AM

We pray

Greetings from New Zealand.My family pray daily for Israel and the families who loose loved ones. May the G-d of Israel protect the Nation against its enemies. Oh G-d may the missing boys come home alive and soon. Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure.

(2)
Rachel,
August 6, 2006 12:00 AM

This is not just your war, this is klal Yisrael's war. We will never be able to thank you enough for what you are doing to benefit and protect jews wherever they are in this world!Chazak Veematz and may Hashem protect our chayalim as only He can.

(1)
Sharon .C,
August 6, 2006 12:00 AM

life is worth fighting for.

I don't understand why the US thinks its not ok for Israel to fight for its right to live in peace the US went to war after 9-11 war is about the right to be free and to live ,protect all that G-d has given.